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Blackjack Payout

Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Herbert Hanson

Blackjack Payout

September 28, 2022

6 min read

Whether a blackjack game pays 3 to 2, 5 to 6, or otherwise, it remains one of the best table games to play online. Still, you should get the highest returns possible when gambling at blackjack for real money.

2 to 1 is the top payout you can expect for getting blackjack. This is not a universal rule since each blackjack variation can deviate in its rules and winning odds.

Knowing this is a great start, but we share all details linked to blackjack payouts in the following guide

Overview of Blackjack Payout

The long-term winning odds of blackjack are higher than 99.50%, indicating that the player will eventually end up a loser at the blackjack table. This might sound discouraging, but this table game holds the lowest house edge of all casino games. Although the RTP is commonly quoted when discussing casino game payouts, there is more to it in blackjack.

When players get a natural blackjack, getting 21 with the first two cards dealt, and the dealer doesn’t, the payout is 3:2. This means that you will receive 1.5x your original stake for that round. In contrast, dealers who get natural blackjack will either push or collect the losing wagers.

Natural Blackjack Odds Calculator

Statistically speaking, 1/21 rounds (4.83%) will result in natural blackjack when playing the single-deck version. The number decreases to 4.78% when you add another deck.

For blackjack games with six to eight decks, which are the most common way online blackjack is played, the odds of getting natural blackjack are 4.75%.

Knowing the exact number before placing real money blackjack bets is important. To get it, you would need to calculate the number of decks and cards, aces, tens, and substract by 100.

Still, the 4.75% will be the applicable natural blackjack odds when gambling online.

6:5 Payout in Blackjack

If you are used to playing blackjack in brick-and-mortar casinos, you would know that the most frequent payout for a natural is 2:1. That’s not the case online.

Most online casino sites started with 3:2 blackjack payouts, and are now shifting towards 6:5, the worst of all three.

The effect of natural payouts is crucial on the long-term winning odds and on whether you should even opt-in for real money blackjack.

For indication, a 3:2 blackjack payout would award $3 for every $2 blackjack win, while a 6:5 rate pays $6 for every $5 won. The latter example features 1.2:1 blackjack odds. This slight difference shouldn’t affect the casual blackjack bettor, but it can significantly impact your winning potential in the long run.

Remember how we said the blackjack house edge is the best across all online casino games at 0.5%? That’s true for blackjack games that payout 3:2, but the number increases to 2% when the payout is 6:5. A staggering 400% lower RTP for a minor rule change.

In money talk, a 98% blackjack RTP means that for every $1,000 wagered, the casino would win $20. The profit in an identical scenario with 99.5% blackjack RTP would be $5. Of course, this value is theoretical, and the outcome could go both ways in the short run, but it will eventually adjust to these rates.

Considering that the online poker house edge is often lower than 1% and some online slots feature 99% RTP, the shift towards 6:5 payout blackjack will most likely shake off the game’s title of ‘best payout casino game.’

How to Overcome the Blackjack 6:5 Payout

Thankfully for blackjack players, the card game is ideal for strategies and moves to turn the odds in your favor. This is not easy to pull through, but we share some tips and strategies to turn a negative house edge to your side.

Insurance Side Bet

Blackjack insurance offers protection against the dealer’s blackjack hands. This side bet can be placed during the round, after the initial deal, while the dealer’s hole card remains hidden.

When opting for this, you essentially bet the dealer will get blackjack. As such, it is only a smart move when the dealer’s face-up card is a 10-value card or an Ace. Still, the odds of getting blackjack from any of the above remain low. Thus, this strategy is worthwhile only if you can pull your weight in card counting. But even then, it should be used with caution.

Games like video blackjack or single-player blackjack do not strategically offer insurance since card counting is out of the picture. On the other hand, blackjack insurance can be a great winning strategy in Multihand Blackjack.

Card Counting

This is the most profitable blackjack strategy available to players, but extremely hard to perform. Essentially, players add or substract from each card’s total based on the ones already apparent on the table. The more cards other players have called, the better insights into what might come next. As such, card counting is only possible in multiplayer or multihand games.

Although card counting is less accurate due to continuous card shuffling and incorporating multiple card decks in each round, it does help. For instance, if three 10s are on the table, the likelihood of the dealer’s Ace card turning into natural blackjack is lower.

Blackjack-specific Bonuses

While the online blackjack payouts are worst than on classic blackjack games, the introduction of welcome and reload bonuses can increase your winning margins. Many top online casinos will double your initial deposit up to a certain amount. Weekly cashback and blackjack reload match bonuses can also significantly boost your bankroll.

Although blackjack games weigh less than other games towards clearing your bonus funds, they can make a huge difference to the short-term payouts.

Blackjack Payout Chart

The above is not the only way you can increase your blackjack payouts. Experts and mathematicians have created blackjack strategy charts that anyone can use for free. These indicate the best move to perform based on multiple scenarios, taking into account your hand and the dealer’s cards. Knowing the exact odds during each round can significantly increase the chances of getting a payout.

Some blackjack payout charts even outline the winning odds for each hand and scenario.

Blackjack Payout Calculator

A blackjack payout calculator is a simple tool that shows the best way to play your cards in different scenarios. These are free tools that act as blackjack charts but in real-time.

If you are not familiar with similar gambling tools, you can play free blackjack games right here and test our calculator without risking any money. Alternatively, you can bookmark this page and visit one of our recommended casinos to play blackjack with the highest possible payouts every time.

Blackjack Payouts FAQs:

What is the best blackjack payout?

The best online blackjack payout is 3:2, paying 1.5x your stake for a natural. You might also encounter blackjack games that pay 6:5 for a natural, equal to 1.2x. Still, there are blackjack side bets that can pay higher amounts. For instance, getting perfect pairs can payout 30:1!

How do blackjack payouts work?

The blackjack payouts work in a simple manner, although they can vary for natural blackjack. When you bet $10 and get a better hand than the dealer, you receive your original stake plus $10 (1:1 payouts). If you and the dealer get the same hand, it is a draw (push), and you both get your stakes back. When you get natural blackjack, the payouts at online casinos are either 3:2 or 6:5. With 3:2 payouts, you receive $7.5; with 6:5, you win $6.

How much does blackjack typically payout?

The standard blackjack win pays out 1:1. Assuming you wagered $1 and won, you will get $1 (original stake) + $1 (payout) in return. For a natural blackjack, the payout will either be 3:2 or 6:5. This will depend on the online casino and blackjack variant, which is why you should always read the game’s rules. A 3:2 payout equals 1.5x, and a 6:5 payout amounts to 1.2x.

What is a 6 to 5 payout in blackjack?

The 6:5 payout is the most common you will encounter online. It is also the worst blackjack payout for the player, decreasing the game’s RTP to 2% from 0.5%. Essentially, for every $6 wagered, when you score a natural, you will get $5. This is equal to a 1.2x payout rate.

What is a 3 to 2 blackjack payout?

A 3 to 2 blackjack payout used to be the standard payout for players who got natural blackjack. This payout rate is equal to 1.5x, awarding $3 for every $2 wagered.

Which online casinos feature 3:2 blackjack payouts?

The blackjack payout rate and odds do not depend on the online casino but on the games featured on their platform. To be 100% certain, you should check the game’s paytable through the information window. Still, Betsoft features some of the best blackjack games in terms of RTP, most of which feature 3:2 natural payouts. You can find a list of US casinos with Betsoft blackjack games here.

Herbert Hanson

Author

Herb has spent years working in the gambling industry, helping to provide gambling entertainment. He started from the land-based casino and then moved to the iGaming industry and joined our team as an author with great knowledge of the Las Vegas casino industry. His unique approach is the key to our content creation strategy. Do you need the latest bonuses and promotions; Herbert Hanson is your man with great knowledge.